Monday, September 26, 2011

Phew--wasn't sure if I'd find time to put together an MMGM this week, what with being gone all weekend (I'm actually still traveling today). But I MADE IT! And I'm so glad I did, because now I get to gush about the DORK DIARIES, a series I absolutely love. Specifically book one: DORK DIARIES: TALES FROM A NOT-SO-FABULOUS LIFE, by Rachel Renee Russell.

Here's the sweet, simple description from the publisher:

New school. New mean girl. New crush.

New diary so Nikki can spill about all of it...

Now, obviously it's hard not to see the very pink cover and the use of the word "Diary" in the title and the illustrations throughout the book and think "Wimpy Kid for girls." And... on some level it is--in the BEST sense of the comparison. But don't let those similarities fool you into thinking this is just some re-imagining of something already out there.

The Dork Diaries are very much their own creation--smart, funny, and oh so addicting. It's not surprising at all that the books have appeared on the NYT Bestseller list, both individually and as a series. Which means the series probably doesn't need my help getting people to discover it. But I love it too much not to gush about it.

There are many, many things I love about the series--the awesome doodles and illustrations being HIGH on that list. But what I love most is how real the main character is. Reading the books makes me feel like I'm a 13-year-old girl again. I can so relate to the things she thinks and feels--the author nailed the tween girl experience.

And don't let the pink cover and girl on the front fool you. I know many boys who love the books, once they're willing to look past the pink. Boy, girl, kid, grown-up, whatever, I highly recommend giving the series a chance. For a quick, fun, hilarious read you can't do better.

Which is why I'm giving away a copy of Book 1 in the series, "Tales From a Not-So-Fabulous Life" to one lucky winner.

**INSANELY AWESOME UPDATE**

You guys! The Ever-So-Fabulous Rachel Renee Russell has emailed me offering to take this prize to a WHOLE other level of awesome. So the winner will now receive:

DORK DIARIES 1: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

DORK DIARIES 2: Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl

DORK DIARIES 3: Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star

AND the soon-to-be-released DORK DIARIES 3 1/2: How to Dork Your Diary

And since the prize just reached uber-awesomeness, I've decided to extend the entry time for another week. See the instructions below, with changes in red.

To enter, make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PDT on Saturday, October 8th. I'll draw one random winner and post their name on Sunday, October 9th. International entries welcome.

And... go!

For more middle grade love, make sure you check out these other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere:

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Barbara Watson is featuring THE OWL KEEPER. Click HERE to learn all about it.

- Ishta Mercurio-Wentworth is showcasing THE CITY OF EMBER. Click HERE to see why she loves it.

- Michael Gettel-Gilmartin is featuring THE RAT BRAIN FIASCO. Click HERE to see what he thinks.

- Myrna Foster is gushing about THE EMERALD ATLAS. Click HERE to see why.

- Deb Marshall sings the praises of PETER NIMBLE AND IS FANTASTIC EYES. Click HERE to see what all the hype is about.

- Sheri Larsen is highlighting MIDDLE SCHOOL--THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE. Click HERE to read her review.

- Charlotte Taylor makes her MMGM debut with a feature on BREADCRUMBS. Click HERE to see what she thought.

- Brooke Favero has an interview with authors Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson about their new book: THE FAMILIARS: SECRETS OF THE CROWN. Click HERE to read more.

And if you want to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog. It's easier if you email me before Monday, that way your link will be included in the post from the moment it goes live. But if you decide to spontaneously join the fun, I do update the post at several points throughout the Monday. Just email me a link and I'll add you when I do!

Yay-I love comments! Thank you so much! (But please remember to keep your comments spoiler-free. Also, I try to keep this a happy, positive place. Friendly debate is fine, but always be kind to each other). <3

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